Questions for Newbies that have their first trucking job.

1-17...

Spam!

 

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Covenant

$0.21 / team mile (~= 42cpm solo). started at $0.18 per team mile...

on a scale of 1-10? 8

Since Oct

yes, but they are not very good (high deductable). 3 months

not at all. I was pleasantly surprised (a lot of negative reviews online about covenant)

a low of 3500, a high of 8600. average is 5500

weekly

first truck was 2009 prostar with ~300,000 miles and not very reliable. 2nd truck is a 2012 Cascadia that had 11 miles on the odometer (120k now). its a freightliner, so little things break often, but we've never been broken down

5 weeks

4 days, $100

bus (greyhound)

$450/week + 1cpm

since oct

currently saving my pilot points for a cobra 29

the qualcomm mcp 200 navigator

its a bit clunky and underwhelming when there are complex interchanges, but it does the job

 

1. What company do you work for?

System Transport, NW regional fleet


2. How much per mile do you make?

36.5¢


3. How do you like your first company?

I'm diggin' it so far... but I'm still on my honeymoon.


4. How long have you been there?

Started Training first of November. Went solo first of January.


5. Do you get benefits and how long after you start?

Low-cost medical started in March I think.


6. Do you regret starting with the company you work for?

Not at all. I'm pretty happy I started here.


7. How many miles do you week per week?

I don't actually know. It varies quite a bit. Being regional means less miles that OTR fleet, but I'm compensated with stop pay, border pay, tarp pay, etc.


8. How often do you get paid?

Every other Friday and can take up to $150 per week cash advance on my fuel card.


9. How new is your truck? Is it reliable?

2006 Volvo with 600k + miles. It's reliable enough to get the job done, but I'm looking forward to graduating into a newer Kenworth.


10. How long was training?

8 weeks


11. How long was orientation? Did you get paid for it?

3 days before training... 3 days of disorientation after training.

Yes... got paid for both.


12. Did they fly, bus, or rent a car for you to get to orientation?

I drove myself there (75 miles) but they put me up in a hotel room with a shuttle to and from the yard. I believe they spring for a bus ticket for most out-of-state hires.


13. How much was your training pay?

$500 per week


14. How long have you been there.

2 months training... 4 months solo.


15. Did you buy a cb radio or was one was already in the truck? What kind?

Bought one. Cheapest Cobra.


16. What type of GPS do you use?

Rand 510 truck model


17. How well does your GPS work?

It's saved my bacon more times than it's gotten me into a pickle